Cleansing the Liver

The liver is the largest internal organ of the body and is crucial to the maintenance and regulation of homeostasis of body fluids and control of body processes. In one of its many functions, the liver defends the body against internal poisoning through toxin elimination and storage. It serves a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and also serves as a detoxification station for the body. The liver will seek to render substances harmless and, when that fails, will store the toxins in fat cells to protect the body. With all these functions, cleansing the liver is important to help keep it in top condition.

Because the body needs a continuous and regulated supply of nutrients for normal growth, physiological functioning and health maintenance, I use high potency vitamins. I personally feel that low potency supplements do not provide enough nutrients for the body to maintain health over the long haul. Just consider the stress and environmental issues we face on a daily basis. The body is under constant attack, so we need to defend and nourish it with high potency supplements!

Some of the nutrients I use to support liver cleansing and function are:

• Vitamin A. Important to the functioning of the liver. It is stored in the liver to be used as needed for immune, skin and respiratory health. I prefer the beta-carotene approach to Vitamin A because it is a vegetarian source, non-toxic and is only converted to Vitamin A as needed.
• Vitamin B-1. It participates in the process of carbohydrate metabolism within the liver, and is essential in the transformation of Tryptophan to Niacin.
• Choline and Inositol. Two essential nutrients for the liver, part of the B complex. Choline is essential for liver function as a constituent of lecithin, a group of phosphorus-rich fats found in the liver which are essential for transforming fats in the body. Inositol works in the same way.
• Vitamin K. Plays an important role in liver function as a co-factor in the liver synthesis of prothrombin, a blood coagulation factor, and other coagulation factors.
• Milk Thistle and Dandelion Root. These herbs have a long history of being beneficial to the liver.

It's important to examine your diet and reduce any items that might adversely affect your liver. Cut back on fried foods and decrease the amount of trans fats, hydrogenated fats and saturated fats. If you drink, reduce the amount of alcohol you take in. All of these cause the liver to work extra hard.

By the way, if you have blood sugar concerns, both your liver and adrenal glands are involved. Consider your stress levels and see what you can do to reduce those as well. Here’s to a healthy liver, a life giver!